Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Job Description: Essential Functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Promote independence in activities of daily living (including dressing and feeding) through problem solving, suggesting adaptations and observation of the student.
• Observe, problem solve and suggest positioning techniques to enhance educational participation and maximize function.
• Consult and assist classroom staff through gathering and sharing information at team meetings when requested.
• Discuss and exchange information about the students assigned with the occupational therapist.
• Utilize task analysis to suggest techniques to the educational team with regard to feeding, activities of daily living, pre-writing, pre-cutting, and other skills needed for school performance.
• Implement the individualized/small group therapeutic program prescribed by the occupational therapist based on goals and objectives.
• Collaborate with colleagues and parents in order to share information and expertise to plan and implement effective student programs.
• Assist occupational therapist in determining extent to which goals and objectives are being met by collecting and maintaining data on individual student goals.
• Assist therapist in formulating new goals based on data analysis.
• Assume other duties and special projects as assigned.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
• Ability to read, write and communicate in English to understand directions and communicate with students.
• Experience working with students with special needs preferred.
• Ability to physically move about the building including up/down 2 flights of stairs.
• Ability to lift and position students (30-80 pounds) if assigned to a classroom with such requirements.
• Ability to make minor decisions with minimal supervision in accordance with established procedures.
• Ability to participate if requested in necessary approved behavior management procedures, Crisis Prevention Institute Training (CPI) and to apply training in crisis situations including student restraints as needed.

Education and Experience: Valid California Licensure as a COTA from the State of California, Department of Professional Regulation. Experience working with students with special needs preferred.*The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all inclusive. They describe the general nature and level of work being performed and/or represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to successfully perform the job. The Company retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.